Mother of murder victims helping others to cope

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Dec 14, 2007 | by Harry Harris

OAKLAND -- Lorrain Taylor knows the agonizing pain of losing a loved one to violence, possibly more than others.

She also knows the importance for those left behind to have someone to rely on to get them through both the emotional turmoil and also the myriad bureaucratic and day-to-day concerns that arise.

Taylor's twin sons, Obadiah and Albade Taylor, then 22, were shot to death Feb. 8, 2000, in the Dimond district -- killings that are still officially unsolved. Police think they know who the killer is but have not been able to get enough evidence for charges to be filed.

To help survivors cope with their losses and gain the support they need, Taylor has founded 1,000 Mothers to Prevent Violence.

So far the group has 25 members and is holding an event tonight called an "Evening of Healing" to get its message out and increase membership. The event is being held in collaboration with the Khadafy Foundation, Family and Friends of Murder Victims and Victory Outreach, West Oakland.

The free event will be at

6 p.m. tonight at the Jack London Inn in Jack London Square and will be catered by Home of Chicken and Waffles, which is giving the group a discount on food.

Through her own ordeal and her work with other advocacy groups, Taylor, 50, has found when a death or other gun violence occurs, "a lot of people cannot function. They don't have the energy."

The day her sons were killed "was the most disturbing day of my whole life, the most painful. I was confused, I don't know how to describe it," she said.

"I still dream about them and they will always be my inspiration."

From her own experience, she knows survivors of murder victims need emotional support, as well as help on everything from health issues to getting food to filling out paperwork for victim compensation and dealing with police investigators and the district attorney's office.

"We want to take care of the people who need help. That's where my heart is," said Taylor, a college student who volunteers at the South County Homeless Shelter in Hayward, where she lives. Her main income is from out-of-state rental property.

"We're not doing this for political reasons but to provide help for those who need it, emotionally, physically and spiritually," Taylor said.

If their efforts lead to getting more police officers and criminalists to help solve cases, that is fine too.

"We can make things happen," she said.

Lt. Ersie Joyner III, the commander of the Oakland police homicide unit, who as a sergeant investigated Taylor's sons' killings and still hopes to arrest the killer, welcomed her group.

"After going through her devastation she has been a pillar to other mothers," he said. "She has been able to forge ahead and offer valuable assistance and strength to others who have suffered."

Those wanting to help the group can send donations to P.O. Box 531, Hayward, 94543. For more information, call 510-582-7216 or visit http://www.1000mothers.org.